Kansas city jazz musicians portable#

As I began to understand the lack of women in the field more, it both discouraged and encouraged me. There were only a few females in the jazz department (none on staff) and it felt as though there were even fewer at the jam sessions and gigs around town. I didn’t start realizing that the field, even in Kansas City, was male-dominated until I got to college and began playing professionally. What has been your experience as a female in the profession? Also, at this time, I had not really noticed how male-dominant jazz was. I did know that I felt attentive and intrigued when listening. I was exposed to certain artists and performances that I was naturally attracted to for reasons, at the time, I could not put into words. I did not really get into jazz until high school. I was introduced to jazz later in my middle school years and enjoyed playing in the jazz band. Jazz is seen as a male-dominated industry, particularly regarding instrumentalists. I also play a little electric bass and drums for fun. I believe it is an important one to know for any musician. This is one instrument I wish I would have started sooner. I took some keyboarding classes in college and continue to work on my keyboard skills. With his help, I was able to learn that instrument as well. My brother played the oboe, and I came across some opportunities that had some oboe playing/teaching.

I am glad I did so at a younger age, because it has definitely come in handy. When I got to high school, our band director was adamant about getting the saxophone players to be able to “double” on flute and clarinet, so I began to work on both. About a year later, I switched to the baritone saxophone primarily. I started my musical journey in middle school on the alto saxophone. Because jazz and reggae, two genres of music that are dear to me, came to fruition mostly because of oppression, music and its creation has a completely different meaning to me and motivates me in new ways.

As I got older, I began to appreciate and understand why many styles of music came to be. Garry Anders was the band director for only a short time while I was there, but I learned so much from him and was exposed to music and musicians I didn’t know about, which has had a lasting impact on my career and life as a whole.Īt first, I was inspired by music because of the way it sounded and how it made me feel. I was fortunate to be a part of the distinguished band program at Grandview High School. My main influences before then were mainly pop, hip-hop, reggae, alternative and R&B.

I didn’t start really listening to jazz until I was in high school. My mother played clarinet in grade school and my father never really picked up an instrument, but I later realized how avid music listeners and music lovers they were and still are. My brother and sister, who are older, were also in band so I was inspired by them to join. At the time, I also joined band class playing alto saxophone.

Kansas city jazz musicians portable#

I remember in middle school having a portable CD player (Sony Walkman) and carrying it with me everywhere I went. Where does your passion for music stem from? ’14) spoke with us about her experiences as a female in jazz, what she’s been up to during the pandemic and her future goals. UMKC Conservatory Jazz Studies alumna Aryana Nemati-Baghestani (B.M.